With the federal government shutdown stretching into its record-setting 36th day, the nation’s aviation system is showing increasing signs of stress. Officials have warned of possible coming airspace closures while Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Chris Sununu said Tuesday that more than 3.4 million passengers have been affected by flight delays and cancellations tied to staffing shortages at the FAA and TSA.

“It is simply unacceptable that our air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and CBP officers are working without pay,” Sununu said in a statement.

Longest Shutdown in U.S. History Hits Aviation Hard

The airline trade group estimates 31 million passengers will fly over Thanksgiving, marking one of the busiest travel periods on record. U.S. carriers have added roughly 45,0

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